As many of you know I just picked up a 1972 Chevelle SS Clone.  I am begining my projects now.  I will try and document this process as best I can.  I certainly like to read other posts.

Since it was a nice day I took it out to get video of the engine and trans that I am goign to sell.  Currenlty it has an aggressive 305 Chevy with a TH350 trans.  Needs a tune up but otherwise runs good.

I have a pretty stong wife for only being 103lbs!!  I find it much easier to work when you have the hood off.  Much easier to get the engine out.  Starting the clean up!

I will be removing the large Monster TAC and selling on Ebay.  TAC works and is kind of cool, but I don't drag race anymore and that is what its for!

Also will be removing the B&M Slap shifter.  They are cool and fun to slap up or down.  But I am replacing it with a console and horse shoe.  Another Ebay Post.

Then will be starting the following.

1. Remove the wheels/tires

2. Remove the drive shaft.  I am switching to a 700R4 so it will need to be shortend by about 2.5".  Anyone know of a south end driveline shop?  Don't want to go all the way north.

3. Undo all cables to the trans, speedo, kick down.  Remove bell housing bolts.  Remove bolts on cross member.

4. Disconnect and remove battery.

5. Remove hoses and wires to engine.  

6. Disconnect headers and all lines.

7. Loosen the motor mounts.

8. Pull carb and put on plate.

9. Pull engine

10. Pull trans.

So That will be tomorrows Task.  Then going to get the engine on Craigslist and the Shifter and TACH on Ebay!!  Let me know your thoughts on what I should price on the 305 and TH 350.  Not selling as a combo, but could.  Will list them separate and reference each other.  Engine runs well, don't know much about it.  Has a mild cam and is stout to be able to push the Velle and squeal the tires!!

So here in my project list...

1. Built 383 Stroker with roller CAM, 750 QuickFuel Carb, Headers with 450-475HP

2. 700R4 with shift kit with overdrive and install new cross member

3. Vintage Heat & Air

4. Rear Sway Bar 1.25"

5. New Mufflers

6. New shocks on all 4

7. Reverse tires to expose White Lettering

8. New head liner

9 New seat covers on buckets

10. New center console with horse shoe shifter

11. Install upgraded round gauge TACH gauge

12. Fix Speedo

13. New power steering box

14. Lots of engine bay clean up

15. Wet Sand and Buff Exterior

16. Install new emblems, SS, Cowl Induction

17. Detail front grill and paint cprrect colors

18. Paint rims correct color

I really think I can bring the paint back.  It was painted not that long ago, but never got wet sanded and buffed.  Then wait to do the paint work until maybe next year.  Really wanted a good fun driver that is fast and comfortable with the Air and tunes.  Not looking to place first for a .50 cent trophy....

More to come.

-- Edited by gearlube on Monday 15th of October 2012 06:03:37 PM

-- Edited by gearlube on Monday 15th of October 2012 06:04:32 PM

-- Edited by gearlube on Monday 15th of October 2012 06:05:51 PM

Damn, you don't waste any time. I thought you would drive it until winter.

I was going to ask if you wanted to use my engine lift but it sounds like you want to do this tomorrow.

Have fun gettin greasy...

I would consider having the wheels powdercoated.

Tom, that hood looks like glass!    Nice buff n shine.

It appears that you had some pent up deconstruction in your blood.  You didn't have it more than 48 hours before you tore into it!

That thing so needs an LS motor.

I had the day off yesterday so I started on the project because I wanted to sell my trans and engine.  Got the Trans sold already!

Pulled the drive shaft.  Looks like a lot of work was done in the back end.  The U-Joints look good and are noice and tight.  The mufflers are trashed though.  Instead of replacing the mufflers, they sport welded over the holes!!    I ordered a new exhaust system header back from Summit.  Going with 2.5" exhaust.  

The shocks on a 4 are crap.  Like a bouncie low rider.  Ordered some KYB shocks and struts.  Coils in the back look good.  Also ordered a 1.5" sway bar.  Not going crazy with boxed control arms.  If I come accross some cheap...then maybe.  

Pulled the battery first of course and it looks good.  Just a little surface rust is all.  Then drained the radiator.

Then pulled the radiator topper, fan shroud, and fan blades.  Pulled the coolant lines and hoses.

Drained the gas lines and capped them off.  Will be getting all new parts.

Dissasembled all the hoses, wires, alternator wires etc.  Pulled the plugs and headers.

I am going to re-use the headers.  They are in good shape!  Engine came out pretty easy.  Small Blocks are so much easier!!

THe TH350 slid right off, but I did lose some fluid.

I plan on doing a good freshen up.  Not going to spotless like in the Camaro.  But nice and clean.  Rattle can black, make it look nice.  My engine will have lots of chrome and stainless on it!

Go underneath and pulled the trans.  Damm those things are heavy!  Convert looks good and the rear tail shaft teeth look good.

I made sure to really take my time, and cap everything off, and label it.  Engine is sitting pretty and now on Craigslist.  The Trans is now sold!

I pulled out the Monster Super Comp Auto Meter last night too.  Put it up on Ebay.  Already has bids!!

Also pulled the B&M slap Rachet shifter.  Put it too on Ebay and it too has bids!!

Here are some of my parts ordered today to line up my winter projects.

I am having Tim H. Guy install the headliner and do the seats next week.

I will be putting in new exhaust from header back.  And Rick influenced me!  Going to put in electric cutouts.  Yes cheesy as it maybe, I want it loud when I want to...Don't worry Kevin you can turn the hearing aide down.  :0P

Now for the crem-da-la-crem!! I worked with the shop and put my engine order in for my custom 383!  Will be 475HP 490trqu.  Roller CAM Motor.  AFR Aluminum Heads, Full dress, Quick Fuel Carb.  Below is a pick of an identical engine they build.  They are also custom doing an A/C bracket to match my other parts.  Very excited. Using my own headers though.  I should have it in 30days to my door!  This will be mated to a 700R4 Trans that has Corvette Synchros....Want it to chirp 1-2-3!!

So now I will start prepping the engine bay, and clearning up under neath.  Very excited and really, really, really am going to try and pace myself.  Many that know me know that I cannot stop sometimes.  But I am going to try and save it for weekends...Do they offer a 12-step for Muscle Car addiction?

The AFR heads are a far better choice than the Pro Comps... so much for the 400 hp level. I didn't figure you would satisfied with that...

Get your headers blasted and Silver coated while you're waiting. Everything else will be new and shiney, don't want those rusty headers detracting from the appeal.

Parts are arriving!!!  Here is a small world.  So I have that engine still listed in craigslist.  Guy is ocming tomorrow to buy it.  However the guy and his father reached out to me and said, Hey my dad owned that car and I put that engine in!!  So we exchanged numbers and had a chance to talk.  Was able to get some history on the car!!  Nice guy and I invited him to check us out.  Summit is amazingly fast with their shipping.  Love them....

Exhaust system, shocks, and electric cutouts....

So gotta ask Tom on the electric cut outs... what's up with that?  Been hanging around old skool bikers that wear rose colored glasses and like to tach it up and be LOUD  (aka crabby old guy)? 

After the first twenty miles I like the old man quiet ride and some tunes, so both.  Those cut-outs should give you the best of both worlds. 

Your project seems to be moving along quickly. Let me know when you get to the power windows, door locks and trunk release.

My pile of boxes is also starting to grow.

gearlube wrote:

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Hey it's cool man!!! Who doesn't love a loud ride? Let's vote? Sometimes loud? Or old man lady quiet?

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 I like noise at the back of the car, not inside. All my cars have full tail pipes. I too like to listen to tunes...

The cutouts will be fun for stop light grand prix's...

Regarding cutouts --- the previous owner installed electric cutouts. The car was used part time for bracket racing so that may be why they are there. I rarely open them up. Actually, it's plenty loud for me with the Flowmasters.

He also put a sound system in the car but I only turned it on once to see if it worked. It could only be listened to when parked. It's not even hooked up now; the power cable for it lies next to the battery in the trunk.

Last night I really ripped into it. Pulled the muffler, suspension and rear cover off. I wanted to inspect the gears and get some numbers. Luckily my hunch was right and the POSI is a series III carrier. It does have 3.90 ring and pinion gears. However I did the math on the RPM calculators with 26" tall tires and at 60 the RPM's are not bad at all with a .70 overdrive.

No metal shavings in the bottom and the teeth all look good.  So I think I am going to stay with the 3.90 since I will have the overdrive.  Most of my driving will be at 55mph or less.  Plus it is a SBC so you have a lot more room than a BBC with a redline of 5000RPM or so.  I can always switch to 3.42 later.

Deffinately needed a rear fluid change either way

Still am in shock how clean under neath and rust free it is.  I am going to just clean it up and paint under neath.  Going to put in some new moog spring insulators, and the rear will get new shocks.

The old exhaust system was pulled and will be tossed.  There are lots of holes and welding slag where holes were tried to be covered up.  Shocks are worn out too

Going to need to put on some new rear brake pads.  They are pretty thin back there...

I sold my TH350 below.  I went back and forth on what to do.  Yes the Internet Transmissions are cheaper.  However even if they offer a warranty, you have to pull and ship.  So I decided to go to Master Transmission in Rosemount.  Stan and Kevin have had good luck.  I talked to John and they had a 700R4 Core!!!  So he is building me a 700R4 that will be well built to handle th horse power and a shift kit.  It will also have a non-lockup converter.  They are very nice and knowledgable.  I like the fact of their two year warranty also and if I have a problem it is close to me.  Deffinately you get what you pay for...So I am going to spend more there.  Worth it.

I know I have said in the past my intentions for this car.  Well I could not get the rims I wanted.  And I am not going to settle.  So I am staying more stock!  I do like the stock SS rims.  So in the rear, staying with the stock spring, new shocks.  Stauing with the 3.90 gears.  In front it already has disc brakes!  I purchased some 2" lowering springs for the front to give it a more raked look, but not low rider.  New shocks up front also.

My headliner is getting done today and Chris is picking up my two front buckets to re-cover.  My Vintage Air is due to arrive today also!  I got a note from my engine builder they are ahead of schedule.  When does when ever hear those words!!  So things are on track for a fun winter!!

Just got a call from the engine place!  They have shipped the engine and is due to arrive on Halloween!!  Went better then they even suspected.  Specs are below.

Engine: 383 Stroker  Runs on Pump Gas!!

CAM Specs .533/.548  Duration at 50,000^th 234/242

RPM 5600 HP 490.4  

TRQ – 480.1 4900 RPM

Made 456 TRQ hitting 3600 RPM!!

Should be fun!!!  Having the 700R4 built now at Master Transmission.  This weekend will be undercoating the rear under neath.  Putting the rear cover back on.  Start on installing the Vintage air on the inside of the car.  Kris did my headliner and it turned out awesome!  I highly recommend.  He has my seats now to finish in a few weeks.  Told him no hurry on that.  Then will be moving onto the front end clean up.  Again trying to pace myself!!  But its hard!!

Your moving right along; so the engine has been run in? 

I would like to swing by this weekend and check out your V-Air setup.

Does Kris do vert tops?

It's only going to get more difficult to "pace" yourself with the engine/trans sitting there. I'm betting on you having this done before Christmas...

Looky Looky!!  Engine is coming on Friday afternoon!!!  Dyno'd at 490.4 HP and 480 TRQ!!  

Got the engine compartment cleaned up and ready to drop er in ?? You could drive it to the November meeting....

Tom, I'm diggin' that new brand of heads... the 'Tom Brokaw' version that's been engraved in the front of the head! 

I hope that carb/air filter clears your hood.  I don't know if it's the video or not, but that intake seems really high, plus there is a 1" spacer under the carb.  I'm sure you'll check it before you slam the hood the for the first drive! 

Clearance shouldn't be an issue. Even the BB had a steel spacer between the carb and air cleaner to get seal against hood.

OH SHINY!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm with stan that looks like it might be a little tall for a stock hood, the spacer may have to come out. I think if it had wings it might fly with that motor.

OK, more than a month since the last update. Is it done and you don't want to admit it ???

Pics of the Vintage install ???

Pics of the headliner ???

Pics of anything.....???

Boy, I say, BOY, what you been doin' ?? (tell me you said that)

O.k.... almost another month gone by without an update.  Surely all those new shiny parts have spoken to you enough to post some progress pics? 

Well I got my seats back and Dan Knish did a great job.  After he did my headliner I knew I could trust his work with my buckets.  I kind of felt bad because, yes I went for the cheaper covers, but his skills made them turn out great!  I highly recomend him.

My wife was grumpy about the large box next to her car so I figured it was a good time to dis-assemble the box and put the engine in.  Its amazing how everything starts with the engine and then you build around it.  Had to borrow my dads hoist as my cheapy was not long enough.  I took out about 100 screws to remove the sides etc.

When they built the palet unfortunately the slots were not large enough for my support bars.  So I had to rig up some chain to slid it over and remount it.

And here is the final pull!  And I didn't even scratch anything!!

.  Put a floor jack underneath to support it off the firewall.  But its in!!!  I ordered my trans mount and it comes next week.  Put on the custom balanced flex plate and torqued the bolts down to 60ft lbs.  

I still have a lot more detailing to do on the tops of the engine compartment.  But I painted the cross member and everything underneath.  I am going for a very industrial engine compartment look, similar to my last Chevelle.  No Chevy Orange here!!  Next I am going to be mounting my A/C compressor bracket and then the compressor so I can get my A/C hoses measured and cut to length.  Then going to put in the new power steering box, and start working it up the rest of the way with exhaust etc.  I still have lots to do on the interior, mounting the center speaker and A/C box.  Putting in the center console shoe shifter etc.

Here was the mess afterwards!  Wife was not happy with her car outside in the cold!

I spent the next hour or so cleaning up and organizing my next parts.  It was like Xmas opening the boxes and saying, oh ha I remember that!  Oh wait it is Christmas!

Merry Xmas Eve All!  Plan on doing my A/C bracket tomorrow, and mounting the compressor.  Then we will see from there!  Will be posting more pics!

Lost in the 60s wrote:

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Been another month.......you hibernating ???

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O.k. Tom... it's been over 32 degrees for awhile now and time to get back in the garage, so what's the scoop on the projects?  If you're not careful... I'm going to sneak up on you and stop by with the finished vert before you are done!